Planning and Codes questions for you pros!

[New_Disney_Lifer]

Hey Everyone!

Let me just start out by saying that this is in by no means my first trip to the Worlds (it will be our family's 4th - YEAH!), but I still need a little help from you pros since I've learned pretty much all I know here on these boards.

Our last trip was May 2009. We have been itching to go back but having gone twice in May and one time in March, we have opted to take a caribbean vacation in April and wait till late this year to go back. *sniff*

We are trying to decide between going for Columbus Day weekend time (Halloween party!!!) and Veteran's Day week in November for a Christmas experience. Any suggestions? We are also looking for the best chance of obtaining free dining or a good savings pin code. Is there any pins that go out that far now? I haven't received any that go past June. We do not want full gusto crowd times that is why we are hoping that Christmas Decor will be out by Veteran's Day in November...nice weather, low crowds, but still have the Christmas experience.

I've heard that Disney Visa cardholders get a special pin for Free Dining towards the end of the year. Is this true? We are cardholders.

Resort - We are a family of 5. So our resort options are limited. However, we may be traveling with 2 other family members. Therefore, we could possibly do two rooms or a moderate with trundle bed. Which would be more cost effective? Does a moderate make that much of a difference? We've stayed at the values and have always enjoyed them. Especially POP since we are the commando style tourists... We spend little time in our room.

Lastly, I'm trying to decide how far in advance we should start to plan and book our room.

Thanks in advance!
Tara

 

[marcielm]

We are trying to decide between going for Columbus Day weekend time (Halloween party!!!) and Veteran's Day week in November for a Christmas experience. Any suggestions? We are also looking for the best chance of obtaining free dining or a good savings pin code. Is there any pins that go out that far now? I haven't received any that go past June.

There is a PIN that goes out for the full year, but it is only for 20% at the values vs. the 30% on the one that expires in June (since you mentioned POP being a fav resort later in your post). Free dining usually ends in early Oct. This past year they extended it, with the values getting the QSDP for free (but you could upgrade for the price difference to the DDP).

We do not want full gusto crowd times that is why we are hoping that Christmas Decor will be out by Veteran's Day in November...nice weather, low crowds, but still have the Christmas experience.

I'm not sure when they start decorating for Christmas... hopefully someone else can fill you in here. They may have some stuff up, but I'm pretty sure it won't be the full effect that you'd get closer to the week of Thanksgiving.

I've heard that Disney Visa cardholders get a special pin for Free Dining towards the end of the year. Is this true? We are cardholders.

They have offered FD in the past couple of years for Disney VISA holders... you will just have to see if they do again this year! It usually runs after the regular FD ends.

Resort - We are a family of 5. So our resort options are limited. However, we may be traveling with 2 other family members. Therefore, we could possibly do two rooms or a moderate with trundle bed. Which would be more cost effective? Does a moderate make that much of a difference? We've stayed at the values and have always enjoyed them. Especially POP since we are the commando style tourists... We spend little time in our room.

Two rooms at POP would be the cheapest option. The moderates (POR or the Ft Wilderness Cabins) will add a little more money, and the pools are nicer with slides & such, but if you are just looking for a place to lay your head, I'd stick with the values.

Lastly, I'm trying to decide how far in advance we should start to plan and book our room.
Thanks in advance!
Tara

First, I would determine exactly when you want to go. You can "save" a couple of trips on the Disney website for both of the dates you are looking, in hopes of getting the year-long PIN, and then call in and book. You can also keep an eye out for something better to come along (like the free dining) and call and swap your ressie over to that discount, pending resort availability or course.

 

[New_Disney_Lifer]

Thank You Marcie for the input. I appreciate your help. Seems like I'm going in the right direction. The only thing I really have to figure out before deciding is how active the holiday festivities are in early November (Veteran's Day)... I'd prefer to go then...

BTW - Your family is adorable.

Tara

 

[marcielm]

Thanks Tara!
I googled when the earliest Disney puts up Christmas decorations, and many people say they start in early Nov. A few said that they went Nov. 3-17 and that decorations were up. A few others said that as soon as the MNSSHP decos come down (around Nov. 1) that almost overnight they start with the Christmas stuff.

I saw a special this past fall on the Travel channel that showed how the crews work all night long to put stuff out, and that during the day you won't see crews "decorating" for the holidays.

Sounds like Veterans Day weekend might just work for you to see some holiday decor!